Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Surat Thani or Luang Prabang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Surat Thani and Luang Prabang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Luang Prabang?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
-
Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesLuang Prabang Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Luang Prabang $18
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $18. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Surat Thani and Luang Prabang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Luang Prabang $5.60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Luang Prabang
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Luang Prabang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Luang Prabang $2.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Luang Prabang?
Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Surat Thani change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one daySurat Thani $28Luang Prabang $9.25
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
-
Dinner$4.71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Luang Prabang $2.66
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- A Walking Tour of Surat Thani's Most Beautiful and Historic Sites: $174
- Adventure trip in koh Phangan: $127
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $80
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $66
- From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $81
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
- Ko Pha Ngan: Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan Snorkeling Adventure: $81
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Koh Samui: Surron Electric Dirt Bike Jungle Adventure 2H: $93
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Luang Prabang $1.78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Luang Prabang, we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Surat Thani would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surat Thani than you might in Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 47380 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Luang Prabang, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Luang Prabang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Luang Prabang in the Summer?
Both Luang Prabang and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?
Both Luang Prabang and Surat Thani during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Luang Prabang. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Luang Prabang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Luang Prabang. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Luang Prabang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Luang Prabang. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Luang Prabang. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Luang Prabang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.